Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Christina Liew (centre) receiving a token of appreciation from PRBSS vice president Datuk Japlin Akin at the arts and culture performance at Gaya Street in Kota Kinabalu.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's colourful multi-ethnic cultural shows could be showcased weekly as part of the popular Sunday Gaya Street Fair here, says Datuk Christina Liew.
The state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister proposing for weekly performances at Lintasan Deasoka in Gaya Street to attract tourists.
"We can showcase traditional culture of the many races and indigenous ethnic groups in Sabah," she told reporters after launching the inaugural Arts and Culture Performances Programme initiated by Persatuan Rumpun Bajau Sama Sabah (PRBSS) here on Sunday (July 23).
Liew said that she had asked Mayor Datuk Noorliza Awang Ali to work with the Sabah Cultural Board (LKNS) to organise the cultural show regularly.
She also suggested for City Hall to put up a semi-permanent structure (in the vicinity of Lintasan Deasoka) to stage the cultural performances.
"All ethnic communities, including Kadazandusun, Murut and Chinese are welcome to present their traditional dances," added the Api-Api assemblyman.
She said Sabah was the first holiday destination for many foreigners visiting Malaysia as it offers a wide range of beautiful and attractive places to visit.
"We have Mount Kinabalu, island resorts and diving spots. Notably, Sabah boasts 34 indigenous ethnic groups, each with its own culture.
"This is Sabah's wealth and a source of revenue for the state through tourism, arts and culture activities.
"We must maintain this unique record of diversity in ethnicity for posterity," she added.
Visiting Spanish couple Victor and wife Fiorella from Barcelona, was thrilled with the variety of traditional dances, including Manuk Manuk Lambukun, performed at the launching of PRBSS Arts and Culture Performances Programme.
"Very different. We don't see these in our country," said Fiorella, who is here on a two-week holiday to climb Mount Kinabalu and to enjoy a Kinabatangan River cruise to catch a glimpse of Borneo Pygmy Elephants and Proboscis monkeys.
